As we’ve seen in this course, researchers have found a strong connection between new and unusual experiences and creativity. Further, Creative Problem Solving methodologies require open-mindedness, the ability to defer judgment, and the ability to view ideas from different vantages The Creativity Assignment challenges you to pursue a new experience and reflect on the experience in order to nurture a creative personality and develop the abilities required to engage successfully with Creative Problem Solving methodologies.

1. New Experience. Choose an experience, song, movie, or food that you’ve never experienced before and try it for the first time. You can choose something you know nothing about or something that you have negatively judged without actually experiencing it for yourself. Whatever you choose, give it a try. In your entry name your chosen new experience, explain why you chose it, and describe the experience. Of course, please be responsible, safe, and make a choice that honours your own well-being and others around you. This section should be the equivalent of two pages double spaced 12 point text (equivalent for those considering a video submission).

2. Reflect Upon Your Experience. In your entry reflect upon the experience by considering a couple of the following questions: How did it make you feel? Did you change your mind about the experience? Did you learn anything valuable? Do you normally try new things or do you find it difficult? How might you work towards opening yourself up to new experiences in the future? How might trying new experiences enhance your creativity? Did you feel that this experience helped you think differently? How do you think this experience will translate toward your ability to be an effective Creative Problem Solver? Be sure to focus not only on the specifics of the experience, but dive into the more meta aspects of how this singular experience might impact your thinking and Creative Problem Solving ability more broadly. This section should be the equivalent of two pages double spaced 12 point text (equivalent for those considering a video submission).